Haughville leaders fed up with a surge of graffiti in the near west side neighborhood

INDIANAPOLIS — Community leaders in Haughville met Monday with residents and business owners who say they are fed up with a dramatic increase in graffiti and property damage in the near west side neighborhood.

It’s not hard to find graffiti in Haughville. The manager at one childcare business said she’s frustrated her business was vandalized.

“I think they just look for an available space and just tag it,” said Cassandra Jones with Harmony House Christian Childcare.

Cassandra isn’t alone. If you walk down any street in this neighborhood, especially along 10th Street, you’ll see homes and businesses damaged with gang-related graffiti.

Some longtime residents say the vandalism is at an all-time high.

“This is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” said pastor Robert Laster Sr.

“I’ve never seen it to this extent and I don’t know the reason for it,” said Jones.

Community leaders urge whoever is committing the crimes to simply stop.

“We’ve been here 14 years and we’ve never been tagged like this,” said Jones.

Dozens of buildings like Cassandra’s have been damaged in a wave of graffiti around Haughville.  Most were likely targeted at random.

“I don’t think they care what it is that they’re tagging,” said Jones.

In addition to homes, some street signs and trees have also been tagged.

Members from various community groups gathered outside a church, where a side wall was vandalized, to say enough is enough.

“It offends me when we see our house of worship like this,” said Olgen Williams with the West Side Community Development group.

“We don’t know who is doing it. We don’t know why they’re doing it.  What we’re saying is respect other people’s property,” said Laster.

IMPD says they are aware of the crimes and sent the following statement:

IMPD is aware of multiple incidents of graffiti across Indy’s westside. Graffiti, when done without the owner’s permission on public or private property, is illegal and will not be tolerated. Residents can expect to see an increase in pro-active police patrols in the areas targeted by these vandals.  

If you witness someone actively engaging in graffiti or other acts of vandalism, report it immediately by calling 911 to help prevent further damage. Neighbors are asked to provide detailed information such as the location, a description of the individual(s), vehicle descriptions, and any other identifying details. For delayed reports of graffiti or vandalism, please call the non-emergency number at 317-327-3811.

Anyone with any information or video footage showing suspects or vehicles involved in recent cases of vandalism are asked to call the non-emergency number. 

“We’re not out to get no one in trouble.  We’re just telling them to stop,” said Laster.

“We’re not looking for anybody to go to jail, but we’d like them to get a paintbrush and fix it up though,” said Williams.

Community leaders are looking for volunteers that can help with future cleanup efforts.

Anyone interested in taking part or helping in any way can contact the Westside Community Development Corporation (WCDC), Haughville Leadership Council, Haughville Strong Neighborhood Association or the Friends of Belmont Beach.